How Rhinoplasty and Skin Cancer Treatment Go Together | Boston, MA

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the U.S, and it’s on the rise. According to skincancer.org, as many as 1 in 5 Americans will develop some form of skin cancer in his or her lifetime. Most forms of skin cancer are highly treatable, but treatment often comes with a cost–damage or disfigurement to the affected areas.

Skin Cancer and Mohs Surgery

Many forms of skin cancer are treated using a surgical procedure known as Mohs surgery, named after the inventor of the procedure, Dr. Frederic Mohs. Mohs treatment involves the surgical excision of cancerous cells and surrounding tissue layer by layer, followed by examination of the tissue to assure all of the cancer cells have been removed successfully. If cancer cells remain, another layer is removed, and this continues until a layer has been reached that is free from cancer. Cure rates using Mohs are extremely high, and the technique is often used on the face to preserve as much tissue as possible. Since over 80% of skin cancers are found on the head and neck, Mohs is a common technique in skin cancer treatment.

Reconstructive Rhinoplasty after Treatment

While Mohs surgery is extremely effective and aimed at disturbing the least amount of tissue possible, many cancers have progressed to the point where treatment causes facial disfigurement, requiring reconstruction. Reconstruction often involves scar revision and/or rhinoplasty, which is very effective at restoring the aesthetic appeal of the face. If a patient would like to change some cosmetic aspect of their nose, combining cosmetic and reconstructive surgery is often an excellent idea. It may actually be necessary to reshape the nose and reconstruct it from ground up.

Finding the Best Surgeon for You

If you’re facing Mohs treatment for skin cancer lesions on the nose, now is a good time to start discussing your reconstruction options with a qualified plastic surgeon. Be sure to set yourself up for success by choosing a surgeon with expertise in rhinoplasty, scar revision, and nasal reconstruction. Dr. Stuart Bentkover of Bentkover Facial Plastic Surgery is an experienced, board-certified rhinoplasty specialist who has worked extensively with renowned Mohs surgeons on difficult reconstruction cases for over 25 years. If you’re looking for expert reconstruction and compassionate care, call to schedule a consultation with Dr. Bentkover at his Worcester (508-363-6500) or Stoneham (617-247-0033), Massachusetts offices.

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